This picture makes me laugh every time. That said I've found new meaning in the message in recent viewings. While I don't have a problem with Meth -- I do struggle with excess, as we all do. Work, achievement, food, a good book, TV, prayer without action -- all of these in excess can turn us into the proverbial "Animal." Focused on one aspect of our life/routine and neglecting the other.
The month of November and my participation in the Nanowrimo project brought into sharp contrast the fact that I've surrendered part of myself to those things which seem urgent, but are not truly important. I almost bailed on the writing project twice during the 30 days of hell which included Nanowrimo, hunting season, Thanksgiving, and several projects at work that demanded copious amounts of both my physical and mental energy. I was quick to surrender attention to my physical health, my love of writing and storytelling, and other personal pursuits in favor of "getting things done."
I am thankful that Katie was there to help me straighten out my priorities and examine what really mattered. Yes, work matters, but should it dominate my life? Yes, being responsible is important, but does that mean that we neglect taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually? Is listening to a frustrated co-worker less important than answering 5 more e-mails and accomplishing one more report for early review? Were the two extra meetings that could have waited until tomorrow worth being an hour late for dinner with family and friends? Is that networking even really more important than my little sister's Christmas play? I think it's pretty clear at this moment that "no" is the answer to all of these.
The kick of this is that in the calm and rational moments the disparity is clear to see. When immersed in the chaos of life, however, it is far more difficult to maintain or find the calm. Seeking this calm, either as a semi-perminant state or a state which can be easily recalled, remains one of my lifetime goals. I continue my struggle, but with knowledge that this too is part of the great mystery and journey of life.
What do you struggle with?
I think similar things. As I wrote recently on my blog, being able to say "no" to a new group, project, etc. is very difficult. Being able to, in the moment when I am asked, to determine whether I will be able to give it everything I think I should. Perhaps its a little arrogance or a denial of such, but I often find it hard to accept limitations - there's only so much time, and I can't give everything I want to everything I want to be involved with; so that process of prioritizing I find very difficult.
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